Today was the start of the Unrestricted Free Agent signings, and the Chicago Blackhawks had a decent stack of cash. They landed their big fish yesterday, signing defenseman Steve Montador to a four year deal worth $11 million.

Today, while the Sabres, Oilers and Panthers were in some sort of stupid-off for free agent signings, Hawks' GM Stan Bowman managed to add a lot of character, as well as 148 years, with 4 free agent signings.

Let's take a look:

ANDREW BRUNETTE, LW (1 year, $2 million) - A real nice pickup, even at age 37. We were originally hoping the Hawks would sign Troy Brouwer for two million dollars? Well, they did. Brunette is a hard working left winger who will get to the net and score a decent amount of ugly-assed goals. Look to your right, and you can see he's got his ass in the goalie's face. That's his game. Not coincidentally, he also has a reputation as a Canuck killer. Look for him to get a good look on Jonathan Toews' left wing this year.

Also, this contract (like all the deals Stan gave out today) is a one-year deal. This means the Hawks might be an older team, but they can look toward letting guys walk and having new pieces move in.

JAMAL MAYERS, RW (1 year, $550 thousand) - You want explosive offense? Look elsewhere. Mayers is a bit long in the tooth (age 36), but he's a fourth line energy guy. Plus, he got to do something everyone wishes they could do, rip Tanner Glass' bucket off.



As a bonus, his father was born in Barbados, which means we can start using "Rass hole" both in recaps and Puckcasts.

BRETT MCLEAN, C (1 year, $550 thousand 2-way)  - McLean was bought out of his Panthers contract, and spent the last two years playing in Switzerland. If he makes the Hawks (make no mistake, it's "if"), you're looking at the replacement for Jake Dowell. At age 32, he's the baby of the new Hawks.

SEAN O'DONNELL, D (1 year, $850 thousand) - At 39, O'Donnell is old enough to be referred to as "spry". He still has a decent amount of game, playing 81 games for the Flyers last year. He also managed to rack up 35 points. Good depth guy.

The Hawks still have 3 Restricted Free Agents (Viktor Stalberg, Michael Frolik, Chris Campoli) to deal with, as well as the lack of a second-line center. But they picked up a lot of skill and toughness today. And Stan still has $7 million in cap space.

Also bear in mind...the roster on April 1 is far more important than the one on July 1. At least this year the Hawks have wiggle room.